The Spanish Crisis of 1909-1931: From Tragic Week to the Second Republic
Crisis
1909 Tragic Week in Barcelona
In 1909, the Barranco del Lobo incident, where Rif forces of Abd el-Krim caused 1200 deaths, led Maura’s government to mobilize reservists for deployment to Morocco.
Reservists, having completed their military service, were often family men and primary breadwinners. Mobilization caused hardship and was unpopular, as the war in Morocco lacked public support.
When reservists were set to embark from Barcelona, anarchists initiated a general strike, encouraging reservists to join or desert. This sparked the Tragic Week of July 26-31, with anarchists erecting barricades and the army intervening. Over 60 churches and monasteries were burned.
A severe crackdown on the anarchist movement followed, notably the execution of anarchist educator Francisco Ferrer Guardia, accused of instigating the Tragic Week. His guilt remains debated.
1917: The General Crisis
1917 proved a challenging year for the monarchy, marked by a multifaceted crisis:
- Political Crisis: Both the Conservative and Liberal parties were in decline, with calls for regime change and a new constitution.
- Social Crisis: Anarchist terrorism and retaliatory violence from employer-funded gunmen were rampant.
- The Russian Revolution: Its success inspired the Spanish left, raising hopes for similar change.
- Labor Unrest: The UGT and CNT’s first joint general strike in 1916 achieved moderate success.
- Military Crisis: The military increasingly interfered in politics, advocating for a military solution to Spain’s problems.
The crisis culminated in August 1917 with a general strike by the UGT and CNT, aiming to seize power. The monarchy, liberals, conservatives, the Regionalist League, and the army united to suppress the revolt. Subsequent governments, formed by members of these groups, implemented repressive measures.
Miguel Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship (1923-1930)
A military coup led by Captain General Miguel Primo de Rivera established a dictatorship in 1923. The causes were multifaceted:
- Political instability and the discrediting of the Restoration system.
- The Annual Disaster of 1921 (war in Morocco).
- Anarchist terrorism and the assassination of Prime Minister Eduardo Dato.
- Economic downturn after the First World War.
- The rise of Catalan regionalism.
Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship enjoyed initial support from various sectors, including the monarchy, army, and Catalan bourgeoisie. However, it faced opposition from anarchists and other groups.
The Dictatorship’s Stages:
- Military Directory (1923-1925): This phase focused on suppressing anarchist terrorism and resolving the conflict in Morocco. Catalan regionalism was also suppressed.
- Civilian Government (1925-1930): Primo de Rivera established a one-party state with the Patriotic Union. Despite some successes, such as infrastructure investments and the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, the regime grew increasingly unpopular due to its authoritarian nature.
Opposition to the dictatorship, led by intellectuals like Miguel de Unamuno, José Ortega y Gasset, and Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, intensified. In January 1930, facing mounting pressure, Primo de Rivera resigned and went into exile.
Fall of Alfonso XIII
General Dámaso Berenguer succeeded Primo de Rivera, aiming for a gradual transition to democracy. His government, known as the “Dictablanda” due to its relaxed restrictions, lasted for nearly a year.
In August 1930, republican and socialist leaders signed the Pact of San Sebastián, pledging joint action to end the monarchy.
Admiral Aznar’s government followed Berenguer’s, calling for municipal elections on April 12, 1931. The results, with victories for republicans and socialists in major cities, signaled a shift in the political landscape.
Facing an ultimatum from the Pact of San Sebastián, King Alfonso XIII left the country on April 13, 1931, paving the way for the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic on April 14.